Course Overview
Our New Zealand Diploma in Software Development is a 20 month curriculum structured into eight courses. The first four courses of our Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5) are what make up the first ten months of our 20 month Diploma in Software Development. In these four courses, you learn the foundations in software development, studying Client-side development, Server-side development, Full-stack development and Agile Development and DevOps. Then the second ten months cover specific areas such as: Application Security, Mobile Application Development, Introduction into Machine Learning and culminates in the delivery of a final Enterprise Capstone Project.
Developers Institute curriculum includes an introduction to leading-edge programming concepts, languages and applications. Our full-stack developer programme is geared towards giving you the skills you need to be a desirable candidate for top employers.
We offer a pathway to employment to all of our students and we provide support to get you a job in the tech industry.
Coursework Timeline and Content
Our software development programme spans 20 months and is organized into eight discipline-specific courses.
Developers Institute’s Software Development curriculum is in line with the latest industry trends. We engage with industry partners to ensure that Developers Institute provides you with the same technologies and processes that the current tech companies use. The stack you learn during the software development course may be slightly different from what you signed up to study when you started the course. This dynamic learning environment is tailored to secure your future tech employment.*
Developers Institute students receive regular feedback on their work by participating in industry-standard practices such as testing and code reviews.
*Developers Institute reserves the right to amend the tools and tech stack to move with current industry standards.
Week 1-8
Client-Side Development
Client-side development focuses on the internet, internet protocols and the design and development of secure responsive software applications. You will learn to use HTML and CSS as well as JavaScript and ReactJS. To deepen your stack fundamentals knowledge, you will also learn tools and practices for software version control and incremental delivery. Students collaborate on the same code base in this course to work together to implement different features on the same project, using gitHub. This mirrors real-life professional practice.
Tech stack
Flexible Learning Approach
Our learning approach combines 20 hours of collaborative learning with 18 hours of independent learning per week, allowing you to progress at your own pace while fostering a collaborative environment.
Monday to Friday - Collaborative Learning
20 hours per week
Daily team meetings and coding exercises
Weekly mini projects and workshops
Weekly retrospective meeting
1:1 mentoring
As part of our collaborative learning approach, you will also benefit from live instructor-led presentations, have access to our dedicated learner success team, and engage in monthly industry talks.
Monday to Sunday - Independent Learning
18 hours per week
Study in your own time at your own pace
Review course material, or focus on your own learning interests
Build projects and portfolios to improve your skills
The Developers Institute's curriculum is flexible and can adapt to learners unique needs. At DI, we emphasise hands-on, practical learning to ensure learners acquire workplace-ready skills.
A typical week might look like this:
No Previous Experience Required
This software development programme is tailored for people who want to develop the skills needed to get a job in tech. You don’t need any prior coding or software development knowledge or any tech experience. If you have a strong work ethic, enjoy learning and solving challenging problems then contact us to apply for the programme.
Entry Requirements
New Zealand Diploma in Software Development - Level 6
General Admission
There are no mandatory prerequisites for the Diploma in Software Development; however, learners must be:
18 years or older
Reside in New Zealand
NZ-based international students must have an appropriate level of English proficiency for the level at which they intend to study – IELTS Academic score of 6, with no band score lower than 5.5
Discretionary Admission
Individuals who do not meet the general admission requirements (under 18) may still be considered if they provide evidence demonstrating their ability to succeed within the programme such as:
Previous experience and evidence of self-teaching a skill or discipline.
A background of homeschooling or correspondence education with parental support.
Note: we ask individuals applying for discretionary admission to attend a chat with our advisor with their parent, guardian, or caregiver.
IT Equipment
Developers Institute will loan you the equipment you need to complete your study. Including an iMac, keyboard, mouse and surge protector. Equipment will be sent to you prior to your course starting and will require a bond fee, refunded at the end of your course when equipment is returned.
Intake Dates
Our next Intake dates are**
2nd October 2023
30th October 2023
**Intake dates are subject to change pending enrolment numbers, availability and any unforeseen funding fluctuations. Developers Institute Ltd reserves the right to modify schedules to best accommodate the internal running of the Institute and to best serve the student learning experience.
Fees Free Study
If you are a New Zealand resident and you haven’t previously trained at a tertiary level for more than six months, you may be eligible for one year of fees free study with Developers Institute.
Check your eligibility here, or contact us to find out more.
Tuition Fees
For information regarding tuition fees for this programme, visit our fees page.
Important Information
This handbook includes important information pertaining to your study at Developers Institute.